In an interview, candidates are assessed on their ability to communicate their message in a specific way within a defined setting. Understandably, this contributes to a variety of anxiety-related issues. Although many candidates can have a predisposition towards anxiety, for others it is brought on by the idea of the interview. A host of scenarios play on the interviewee’s mind – speaking incoherently, being overcome by panic, underperforming due to the interview conditions, breaking out in a sweat – and the big one of not being selected.

There is a landscape of evidence concerned with the benefits of positive coaching on career and workplace performance. The simple message here is that the returns are evident if you invest in career development. Many people go into interviews completely unprepared with only a vague idea of why they should be given the job. Interview coaching works on a variety of levels to assist you with this. Not only can it establish the message you intend the board to hear, but it also helps you get your thinking straight around who you are and how to tell that story.

This article will unpack the benefits of interview coaching, explain the process and outline how H-Training can help you deliver your message effectively in an interview.

The benefits of interview training

Evidence-based professional development

Positive coaching is considered an evidence-based practice, with neurological research attributing the success of this approach to positive neural processes including enhanced visual processing, positive emotions and relaxation. Positive coaching has proven effective across sports, education and business domains.

In the athletic context, a systematic review concluded that positive coaching was associated with better performance, increased enjoyment and satisfaction and reduced dropout rates. A meta-analysis concerned with the impact of positive coaching on educational engagement found that positive coaching was linked to better academic performance, increased well-being and more engagement in the educational setting.

Similarly, the literature on coaching within individual and organizational outcomes concluded that positive coaching interventions contributed to increased job satisfaction, organizational commitment and performance. The efficacy of coaching processes and principles in situations calling for behavioural change is evident in the adoption of motivational interviewing within national healthcare settings.

Enhancing interview skills

Coaching can be a powerful resource in enhancing interview skills. It assists individuals in improving their communication skills through feedback on performance, developing strategies to respond to anxiety and improving their confidence in conveying their core skills in a way that satisfies competency requirements.

A meta-analysis of studies concerned with the effectiveness of interview coaching provided a statement on its efficacy, concluding that there was an improvement in interview performance where coaching had taken place.

Interview coaching provides an opportunity to carry out mock interviews, and analyse strengths and limitations in candidate delivery, along with guidance around enhancing this. Although it is difficult to replicate interview conditions exactly, our mock interviews go some way in recreating this scenario, which can be excellent preparation for the day itself.

Research examining the impact of coaching in behavioural change helpfully identifies five themes emerging for professional development: communication skills, self-efficacy, networking, situational awareness and visioning (forward-looking personal introspection). These themes are significant in preparation and actual performance. Candidates who can communicate their thoughts clearly, actively listen and respond appropriately to interview questions are more likely to create a better impression on the interview board.

• Communication skills increase the capacity to articulate enthusiasm for the role and build rapport with interviewers.
• Similarly, high levels of self-efficacy are positively associated with better interview performance as these candidates convey a positive attitude and perform well under pressure.
• Networking also enhances interview performance; candidates who demonstrate this capacity have a better awareness of the professionals surrounding them and an ability to tap into insights which serve them. They may have the opportunity to engage around the role being interviewed for, potential questions and the style of the interviewer.
• Candidates with situational awareness will enhance their ability to modify responses to reflect the needs and values of the interviewing organisation.
• Additionally, ‘visioning’ will facilitate interviewees envisioning their success, conveying a clear vision for their future and allowing them to articulate their potential contribution to the organisation.

Identifying and marketing your competitive advantage

A recurring theme within the interview and career coaching carried out by H-Training is that interviews exist awkwardly in the emotional space between what is and what the candidate wants. They sit outside the day-to-day of a role and many candidates report difficulty in translating what they do into an interview format. Because this is the reference point for many candidates, it can be difficult to clarify the unique capacity an applicant brings to this opportunity.

Many candidates become entrenched in the technical aspects of their role when approaching an interview board and speak extensively about the unique challenges they experience. Unfortunately, the task in the interview isn’t primarily to discuss the distinct challenges you have faced, it is how you depict your response to these unique challenges. It is a performance, which generally requires evaluation, calculation and practice.

Interview coaching will provide you with an opportunity to receive objective feedback on your strengths in the context of the desired role. A coach will support you to translate your experience and skills into the edge that sets you apart from other applicants. You will receive assistance and guidance on how to develop and practice your pitch. Distinguishing yourself from the competition is a crucial factor in interview performance and is often determinative in securing the desired role.

Who would benefit from Interview Coaching and Training

Interview coaching and training will benefit anyone seeking interview skill development or looking to enhance their career opportunities. This can be particularly relevant to individuals who have recently graduated, those returning to employment after a break or seasoned professionals.

The process may be particularly beneficial to individuals who find interviews anxiety-inducing or lack confidence in discussing their qualities and experience. We often encounter candidates who have made several attempts to transition to their current position without success; interview coaching can provide that additional layer of preparation, identifying what is clouding the candidate’s message and ultimately blocking their success.

Whatever your situation, interview coaching provides the opportunity to enhance your performance at interviews, boost your confidence and develop your skill set. An interview coach can provide guidance on how best to approach the interview, manage difficult questions, negotiate pay and ensure a lasting first impression.

How long does the Interview Coaching process take?

Over years of work with prospective candidates, interview boards and management teams, we have developed a framework which addresses all elements of the recruitment process. This can be tailored to meet individual candidates’ needs as coaching is ultimately a client-led process. An individualized coaching, development or career plan can be agreed upon to address particular areas of concern for candidates.

H-Training has a distinct insight into competency-based interviews, which is particularly relevant given the evolution of national recruitment processes. Our coaches will provide candidates with the framework to articulate their experience and skills appropriately, carving out a clear and concise competency-based statement on suitability for desired roles. Each candidate will have an opportunity to develop strategies for success, which include anxiety management, responding to difficult questions and confident communication.

Standard Interview Coaching

Typically, an interview coaching session is an hour long. Depending on the level of preparedness for an interview, a candidate may opt for between one and three sessions.

In collaboration with the candidate, it could be agreed that the first session focus on the specifics of the desired role and understanding how to prepare competency-based answers for the interview; the second session practically workshopping the competency-based answers with the candidate and the third session facilitates a mock interview and feedback.

Conclusion

The benefits of positive coaching on performance are well established in the literature, having been incorporated effectively across sports, education, and business domains. Interview training provides a brief and effective opportunity to re-evaluate your interview performance and assist you in fully developing your approach to ensure you are best placed to succeed.

A coach can assist you in enhancing your interview skills, establishing competency-based responses to questions, identifying your competitive advantage, overcoming anxiety and improving your confidence. This article has outlined the benefits of interview coaching, discussing how H-Training can help you deliver your message to the interview board and set you apart from other applicants.

Book With Us Today

If you need assistance in career planning or progression, feel free to contact us. H-Training provides a range of learning and development services, including career guidance for adults and career coaching in Cork, career coaching in Dublin, application form development, emotional intelligence assessment and corporate group interview training. We also provide interview board training and consultancy around recruitment processes.